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Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

4.4 from 82 reviews

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a delightful autumn-inspired dessert featuring warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with the sweetness of apple cider and chunky applesauce. Baked in a Bundt pan, this moist cake is coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, offering the comforting flavors of classic apple cider doughnuts in an easy-to-make cake form.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup apple cider or juice
  • 1/4 cup chunky applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 22/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 21/2 teaspoons baking powder

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bundt pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a 10-inch fluted tube (Bundt) pan, making sure all the nooks and crannies are well-coated to prevent sticking.
  2. Blend the sugar and spices: In a food processor, combine brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Process for about 30 seconds until the mixture is evenly blended and the sugar texture is fine. If you don’t have a food processor, whisk these ingredients vigorously in a bowl to break up clumps and combine thoroughly.
  3. Mix the batter: To the sugar mixture, add melted butter, eggs, apple cider, chunky applesauce, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool further.
  5. Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top and sides, pressing gently to help it adhere. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use homemade chunky applesauce or store-bought for best flavor.
  • If you prefer, substitute apple juice for apple cider to reduce acidity.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and cake texture.
  • Press the cinnamon sugar coating lightly to help it stick but avoid rubbing off the cake surface.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: apple cider doughnut cake, cinnamon sugar cake, fall dessert, Bundt cake, spiced cake, autumn recipe